The Planning Department will start the planning with a study of traffic conditions along the Georgia Avenue corridor from 16th Street in Silver Spring to the Forest Glen Metro Station.

The potential planning area stretches along the Georgia Avenue corridor to encompass the Montgomery Hills commercial area located between 16th Street and the Capital Beltway.

Previous plans for the area, including the 1996 Forest Glen Sector Plan and 2000 Silver Spring North and West Plan, need to be updated due to recent changes planned for the corridor. The Maryland State Highway Administration has initiated preliminary planning for road improvements along Georgia Avenue between 16th Street and the Capital Beltway, and these upgrades will affect properties on both sides of the road. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has expressed interest in redeveloping its property near the Forest Glen Metrorail station.

Planners will present a scope of work for the plan to the Planning Board this fall. Following the Board’s approval, they will work with stakeholders to study the Georgia Avenue streetscape and commercial centers, and make recommendations to guide development in these areas.

The team will explore ways of improving pedestrian and bicycle access, connectivity and safety within the plan area. Opportunities for redevelopment at strategic locations will be examined, along withdesigns to improve sidewalks, street trees and lighting.